If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front. Directed by Marshall Curry

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature this year, If A Tree Falls is the story of the Earth Liberation Front which was considered America’s number one domestic terrorism threat by the FBI from 1995 to 2001. The ELF chose arson as a way to stop what they considered environmental crimes by businesses including a timber company, a ski lodge, and SUV dealerships. The movie focuses on Daniel McGowan, a member of the ELF who was arrested by the FBI in 2005 for taking part in the destruction of these businesses. We see how Daniel became involved with this particular cell of the ELF, how he believed what he was doing was right, and how he had moved on from it until his arrest.

If a Tree Falls made me understand how a person can get caught up in a movement. And make passionate decisions without all of the pertinent information. The film questions the use of violence for activism.

We have If A Tree Falls in our Nonfiction DVD section. Come by and check it out before the Oscars next weekend. Call number: DVD 363.325 IFA.